Lawyer who complained of microchip behind her left ear is suspended from practice

A Florida lawyer who asserted that opposing counsel was torturing her with “illegally implanted microchips” behind her left ear has been suspended by Florida Supreme Court.

The order says Janice Jennings may not accept any new clients, effective immediately, and can’t represent any existing clients after Aug. 1, the Tampa Bay Times reports. The court acted on a Florida Bar petition for an emergency suspension.

Jennings, 55, was representing clients in two employment bias cases against the Polk County Commission when she claimed in a written filing that opposing counsel John Campbell was torturing her with the microchips. In a May 16 hearing in the case, she told a federal judge that the chips were implanted in the area of her left ear.

The Tampa Bay Times says the claim is not the first unusual assertion by Jennings. The story says she has been telling federal judges for more than a decade that she was subject to mind control and torture, yet she continued to practice law.

In its July 2 order (PDF), the Florida Supreme Court said Jennings should be examined by Florida Lawyers Assistance and a private psychologist or psychiatrist appointed by a referee. Jennings should abide by all recommendations of Florida Lawyers Assistance, including any recommendation for a “rehabilitative contract,” the order said. During the rehabilitation period, Jennings would be placed on probationary status.

Bar spokeswoman Francine Walker said the bar could still seek disbarment or a lengthy suspension.